Covered California to Host Statewide Town Hall Meetings

August 2, 2013

The state’s lead federal health care reform agency will hold several town hall style discussions for community leaders and stakeholders over the coming months.

Established in 2010, the California Health Benefit Exchange was created by the Legislature following the passage of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The agency’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of ACA and providing a fair marketplace for consumers to purchase health insurance. An extension agency under the Exchange, “Covered California,” was created in order to serve as the states lead healthcare insurance marketplace and assist Californians with purchasing health insurance under the new federal law.

To comply with federal ACA requirements, Covered California will begin the open coverage enrollment process Oct. 1 with plans taking effect Jan. 1, 2014. In the meantime, Covered California will host town halls all over the state to answer questions and solicit feedback from community leaders and stakeholders. These meetings will be attended by Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee, Board Members and senior staff. Discussion topics include:

Updates on progress and current Covered California healthcare options;

Community outreach and education; and

Ways to ensure community residents have access to affordable healthcare.